Tag: HMO

Health Insurance 2013—What’s Really Happening?

Participate in this brief survey and see how your health benefits stack up against those of other successful companies. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete. Complete the Survey Now To show our appreciation we’ll send a PDF of the survey results to all participants. (Be sure to include your contact information where […]

Employee Benefits: Supreme Court Puts the Brakes on Employee Lawsuits Against HMOs in State Courts

The nation’s high court has unanimously ruled that workers with employer-sponsored health insurance can’t sue their health maintenance organization (HMO) in state courts when their HMO won’t cover a recommended treatment. The decision is generally being hailed as good news for employers who provide health benefits.

Health Insurance: New Law Extends COBRA and Cal-COBRA Coverage; 3 Practical Compliance Steps

Under the federal COBRA law, employees and their dependents who lose health insurance coverage because they’re terminated or for other reasons and who work for employers with 20 or more employees are generally entitled to a temporary extension of healthcare benefits. This typically runs up to 18 months but can be 29 months for certain […]

E-Alert Item: Employment-Related Measures On Gov. Davis’ Desk

Now that Sacramento lawmakers have wrapped up the 2001-2002 legislative session, several employment-related measures sit on Gov. Davis’ desk, awaiting his signature or veto. Among the bills Davis is considering are measures that would establish a paid family leave program, prohibit mandatory arbitration, and create new penalties for health and safety violations.

News Notes: Calipers To Charge Employees More For Health Care

California public employees will pay more for doctor visits and prescription drugs in order to hold health care premium increases to 6%, rather than the 15% to 18% hike that had been projected for next year based on HMO bids. The decision by the nation’s largest public pension fund marks a shift toward employees picking […]

Employee Benefits: New IRS Rules Allow Employees Greater Flexibility In Changing Cafeteria Plan Elections

Under flexible benefit or cafeteria plans, once the plan year starts, employees are locked into their benefit elections and can’t make changes except in a few limited situations. But in a move that will be welcomed by employees, the IRS has recently announced rules that take effect immediately and greatly expand your employees’ ability to […]